Teenage Dream… Gig review by Dawn / Photos courtesy of TeenageFanclub.com The snow may have been falling on this particularly cold Sunday evening but, down in the dark depths of the Town Hall Crypt, a healthy and enthusiastic crowd were having the time of their lives. Talented Glasgow quartet Vera Cruise took to the stage first and instantly burst into life with a Scottish charm and magical melodies that headliners Teenage Fanclub would have been proud of. Any band with a song entitled The Last Time Partick Thistle won has got to be worth a second glance, and frontman Paul Smith obviously enjoyed every second of their short set.

Solo sensation Eugene Kelly - formerly of The Vaselines - followed and, with members of Vera Cruise as his backing band, showcased some intriguing and often witty tracks complete with guitar and harmonica. Highlight of his set was a song about celebrity stalking.

And then it was time to jump aboard the melodic merry-go-round as Teenage Fanclub took us for a spin through their hits collection, the irresistible energy and cartwheeling choruses of About You setting the precedent for the remainder of the evening. Whether on vocals, xylophone or even while whistling Mellow Doubt, it was impossible not to smile at Norman Blake’s obvious onstage enthusiasm and his performance of Neil Jung’s infamous guitar break was impressively note-perfect. Old favourite Sparky’s Dream was the highlight of a stunning set; vocal harmonies and chiming guitars have never sounded as heavenly as when performed by these smiling Scottish songsmiths.

With thanks to William. Teenage Fanclub’s ’ best of’ album, Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Six Seconds… A Short Cut To Teenage Fanclub, is out now. Visit www.TeenageFanclub.com for more info.

^ Top of Page